Chateau Leoville Barton (Futures Pre-sale) 2010

"This magnificent, solid wine is initially severe, with its tannins dominating, yet it already reveals a full array of black fruits. Very dense and concentrated, this is a wine that's even better than the chateau's legendary 2005. The structure tells of its extraordinary aging potential: Don't even attempt to drink this for the next 10 years. Cellar Selection."

100 Points

Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of pure blackberries and violets follow through to a full body, with super velvety tannins and a delicious balance of sweet fruit, light vanilla and nuts. Really savory and beautiful. Superb wine. I like this better than 2009."

97 Points

James Suckling

"Takes a modern approach, with dark mocha- and espresso-infused toast leading the way, featuring an extra ganache kicker before dark currant preserves and roasted plum fruit strides in. Dense and extracted through the polished finish, this features a charcoal spine that gives rise to extra blueberry and pastis notes. Should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2018 through 2038. "

96 Points

Wine Spectator

"splendid showing, much stronger from bottle than it was from barrel, the Leoville Barton is one of the spectacular wines of the vintage. Inky purple to the rim, its huge tannin gives this wine real potential for 30-50 years of longevity. It is a classic, powerful Bordeaux made with no compromise. A superstar of the vintage, the wine has notes of pen ink and creme de cassis, good acidity, sweet, subtle oak, and massive extraction and concentration. I thought it was one of the most backward wines of the vintage two years ago, and nothing has changed in the ensuing upbringing of the wine in cask except that the wine now seems even richer, denser and fuller than I previously thought. The beautiful purity, symmetry, and huge finish of nearly a minute make this one of the all-time great classics from Leoville Barton. Anticipated maturity: 2028-2065+.
Rating: 96+"

96 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Deep inky-purple. Knockout aromas of smoky plum, chocolate-coated blackcurrant, balsamic vinegar and aromatic herbs. Suave, sweet and fine-grained, with creamy-rich cassis, smoke and sweet spice flavors given definition by firm acidity. Finishes with subtly powerful, building length and fully ripe tannins. This strikes me as the best Leoville Barton in years, a really mesmerizing wine that's already remarkably pliant and accessible but also has a great future ahead of it. Drink from 2018 through 2040.
Barrel Sample: 93-96 Points "

96 Points

International Wine Cellar